Navdeep Saini: Embracing Pace as His Identity in Cricket

For Navdeep Saini, the thrill of fast bowling has been a natural part of his cricketing journey. Growing up playing tennis-ball cricket, he learned the importance of precision, which in turn honed his ability to deliver the ball quickly and with accuracy. This foundation laid the groundwork for his distinctive bowling style, characterized by rapid arm speed and full deliveries.

Saini first made headlines during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy semi-final, where he consistently clocked speeds over 140kph at the age of 25. Fast forward seven years, and he has earned his spot as an international cricketer for India. However, despite his capabilities to regularly bowl at 135kph, he has faced several injuries that have hindered his progress on the field.

The Demands of Fast Bowling

"Being a fast bowler requires a significant amount of effort to maintain that level of speed," Saini explained in an interview with ESPNcricinfo as he prepared for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. He highlighted that fast bowlers are more prone to injuries compared to those who bowl at lower speeds, emphasizing the physical toll that comes with trying to sustain higher velocities.

Saini was pivotal for Delhi during their journey to the Ranji final in 2017-18, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 34 scalps. His impressive performance led to his inclusion in the Indian squad in June 2018. Although he did not debut immediately, he made it to the standby list for the 2019 ODI World Cup, marking the beginning of what many expected to be a promising international career.

Early Success and Challenges

His breakthrough year also coincided with his IPL debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he took 11 wickets in 13 matches. His international debut came in August 2019 during a T20I against West Indies, where he quickly made an impression. "Playing under Virat Kohli's captaincy at RCB helped me tremendously. Whenever pressure mounted, I would turn to him for advice, and he always managed to calm my nerves," Saini recalled, reflecting on his early days with the national team.

In February 2020, Saini showcased his skills during a series-deciding ODI against West Indies, where he impressed everyone with his pace and variations against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. However, as is often the case in sports, success was accompanied by struggles. After a challenging IPL in 2020, where he suffered a split webbing injury, he faced further difficulties during India's tour of Australia. In his initial two ODIs, he leaked 153 runs in just 17 overs, managing to take only one wicket. Although he debuted in the third Test in Sydney, he exited the following match in Brisbane due to a groin strain.

Despite these setbacks, Saini remained committed to maintaining his pace. "Bowling fast creates more opportunities for taking wickets, and it demands a lot from my body," he stated. "While it can make me prone to injuries, I focus on fitness and understand that injuries can happen without warning."

A Determined Comeback

Since his debut in Brisbane, Saini has only represented India twice more—once in an ODI and once in a T20I against Sri Lanka in July 2021, where he batted at No. 7 without bowling due to the unavailability of several key players. He remained close to the national team setup through early and mid-2022, competing against a talented pool of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Undeterred, Saini took the opportunity to play county cricket for Kent, where he made a strong impact, including a five-wicket haul on his Championship debut. "My success in England was a result of consistent preparation and effort in practice," he said. "I refuse to compromise on my pace because it is my defining trait in cricket."

Injury Management and Fitness Focus

Saini acknowledges the risks associated with fast bowling but emphasizes the importance of taking care of his body. "I am diligent about my diet, rest, and recovery. Maintaining a consistent schedule for practice and workouts is crucial. I’ve also attended camps at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where I’ve learned a lot from the trainers and physios regarding my fitness regimen," he explained.

During his time at the NCA, Saini sought advice from Shami, whom he greatly admires. "Shami bhai often tells me not to overdo it and to focus on hitting the right lengths. He advises me to stick to the 6-8 meter length to prevent leaking runs and to maximize my wicket-taking opportunities. His guidance has been invaluable," Saini added.

A Promising Start to the Domestic Season

Saini’s return to competitive cricket began with the Duleep Trophy, where he made an immediate impact. He was not initially included in the squad but stepped in for Siraj, who fell ill before the first match. "I had no idea why I was left out initially, especially when so many others were picked. But by chance, I got selected and played all three games for India B, finishing the tournament with 14 wickets at an average of 25.42," he said.

His first wicket of the 2024-25 season came when he bowled a delivery that seamed in sharply to dismiss Shubman Gill. Saini expressed satisfaction with his performance during the Duleep Trophy, stating, "Playing a red-ball match after seven to eight months allowed me to gauge my fitness and determine how much work I had put in."

Looking Ahead

As he prepares for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, Saini is focused on staying injury-free while maintaining his pace. "My statistics across different formats are quite similar, but I believe the longest format is where I excel. A strong domestic season could lead to opportunities for international selection, possibly even for the upcoming tour of Australia," he shared.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Saini remains resolute about his path in cricket. "The competition among fast bowlers in India has never been fiercer, but I know the style of cricket I have played and will stick to it," he concluded, emphasizing his commitment to his identity as a fast bowler.